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Best known as one half of the acclaimed Australian duo Busby Marou, Tom Busby is stepping into a new chapter with the release of his debut solo album. After years of captivating audiences with heartfelt storytelling and laid-back coastal charm, Busby now offers a deeply personal collection of songs that showcase his growth as a songwriter and artist. In this interview, he opens up about the creative journey behind the record, the freedom and challenges of going solo, and what this milestone moment means for his career and fans alike.

We caught up with Tom and had a chat on the eve oh his album release

Photo by Maclay-Heriot

Where are you today?

I’m at home in Currumbin on the Gold Coast. A bit of coffee, bit of chaos with the kids, trying to juggle promo and life. Pretty standard day in the Busby household.

This is your first solo release after years with Busby Marou — what sparked the decision to step out on your own for this project?

I think it was just time. I’ve always written songs that felt really personal, but some of them didn’t quite fit the Busby Marou world. I didn’t want to force them into something they weren’t. It wasn’t about leaving the band, it was about giving these songs a proper home.

How does the creative process differ when you’re writing just for yourself versus collaborating as a duo?

When it’s just me, it’s a bit more instinctive and raw. There’s no filter. With Jeremy, there’s this beautiful push and pull. We challenge each other and shape things together. Solo feels more like journaling. It’s a bit scary sometimes because there’s nowhere to hide.

Was there a particular moment or song that made you realise this needed to become a solo album?

Yeah, there were a couple. When I wrote some of these songs, I just knew they were saying something different. They felt like they were about me stepping into a new season - being a dad of four, hitting mid-life, questioning things, backing myself. Once I had a handful of those, I realised this wasn’t just a song or two. It was a body of work.

How would you describe the sound and mood of this record compared to what fans might expect from your previous work?

It’s still me. It’s still storytelling. But it leans more indie-country, a bit more rootsy, a bit tougher around the edges. There’s a rawness to it. It’s less polished, more “this is where I’m at right now.” There’s joy in it, but there’s also a bit of grit.

Did going solo give you the freedom to explore themes or musical directions you hadn’t before?

Definitely. I could sit in the uncomfortable stuff longer. Talk about self-doubt, drinking too much, marriage pressure, ambition, fear. All the stuff that hits you in your late 30s and early 40s. Musically, I didn’t have to ask, “Does this fit the band?” I could just follow the song.

What were the biggest challenges - creatively or emotionally - in making this album?

Backing myself. That was the biggest thing. It’s easy to hide in a duo. Doing this solo, you feel exposed. Financially it was a big commitment too. I put a lot on the line to make it properly. So there’s pressure. But I think pressure can sharpen you if you let it.

Who did you collaborate with on the record, and how did those partnerships shape the final sound?

Absolutely. I actually set out with a goal to start these songs and then collaborate with people I genuinely admire, not just as songwriters, but as humans. I wanted to be pushed by people who inspire me, from all around the world.

Ben Kweller has always been someone I’ve loved as an artist. We got in a room and wrote a bunch of songs together, and pretty quickly realised we needed to make this whole record together. He’s a great songwriter, an incredible muso, and an awesome producer. He really understood what I was trying to say and helped bring it to life without overcomplicating it.
I also worked with Jordie Lane and Clare Reynolds, Chris Collins, Ben Abraham, Rob Conley, Evan Jones and Andy Hopkins. Every one of them brought something different - perspective, honesty, musicality. It wasn’t about stacking big names. It was about surrounding myself with people who care about songs. And I think you can hear that in the record.

Is there a track on the album that feels especially personal or vulnerable? What makes it stand out to you?

There are a few, but “Someone’s Strong” hits pretty deep. It’s about longing for peace, wanting someone solid beside you when you’re not feeling solid yourself. It’s honest. There’s no big metaphor hiding it. It just says what it says.

How do you hope long-time fans respond to this new chapter?

I hope they hear the same heart in it. I’m not trying to reinvent myself, I’m just being more of myself. If they’ve connected to the storytelling over the years, I reckon they’ll feel it.

Looking ahead, do you see this solo project as a one-off exploration, or the beginning of an ongoing parallel path alongside your band work?

It’s definitely not a one-off. Busby Marou is my blood, that’ll always be there. But this feels like another lane I need to keep driving in. I think both projects can exist side by side. They feed each other in a way.

You can Grab a copy of Tom Busby's debut solo album today HERE and keep up wit all his news online at tombusby.com.au